New class offers chance to rebuild classic car

Learning the ins and outs of class car restoration can be costly and time-consuming for beginners.

But Stephen Biermann, dean of technical education at OTC, believes a new the new Classic Car Restoration workshop being offered this summer can offer those who have been thinking about fixing up some classic car a chance to learn first-hand how to do it.

“Classic car shows and restoring those types of cars are very popular in the area,” Biermann said. “We want to offer those in the community a chance to try it and see what they think.”

With car shows being held almost every weekend in the spring and summer, starting with the OTC Community Day car show in April that draws almost 100 cars followed by some national car shows at the Ozarks Empire Fairgrounds, Biermann said those with the itch to get involved will want to take advantage of the workshop.

“There are so many shows in the area, this is an opportunity for both those who already are showing cars and those just beginning to enroll,” Biermann said.

The workshop will be held at the OTC Springfield Campus July 7-31 on Monday through Thursday each week from 5-9 p.m.

The class will be taught by one of the colleges automotive faculty and will include training in a variety of areas needed to turn a project car into a classic.

The class will be working on a 1963 Ford Galaxy 500 two-door. It has a 390-cubic-inch engine and a four-speed transmission. Some participants can bring their own cars in for work on a limited basis.

Training will include body work (straightening, priming and painting), interior work, glass and mechanical work (engine and drivetrain). In addition, participants can pick up tips on how to prepare for a car show, what to expect at a show and what judges look for in a competition.

The workshop is a non-credit offering so those participating do not have to enroll in college.

“There is something for everyone to learn here. Enthusiasts will learn various aspects of car restoration that they haven’t heard or seen before,” Biermann said.